“Many that have mental-health challenges, also have substance-abuse problems,” explained Naaz Grewal, a community educator with the CMHA.

The CMHA said the events will also be a chance for parents, those who work with youth and young people themselves, to make suggestions.

“[Are] there resources that just aren’t available that need to be available and we don’t know about them? Tell us so that we can somehow hopefully change that world for the youth here,” said Grewal.

The hope is that armed with the knowledge that help is available, young people growing up in the north Okanagan will have an easier time than Godard did just a few decades ago.

Forum information:

– Jan. 23, 2019, in Vernon at the Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre from 5:30 to 8 p.m.– Feb. 12, 2019, in Armstrong at the Centennial Hall from 5:30 to 8 p.m.– March 12, 2019, in Lumby at the Whitevalley Community Centre from 5:30 to 8 p.m.